Newsletter Features
Changes to Employment Law and NES - know your rights and responsibilities
The Fair Work Act 2009 sets out 10 minimum conditions of employment. These National Employment Standards (NES) were effective as of 1 January 2010 and will replace the existing Australian Fair Pay and Conditions Standard. Together with modern awards, the NES will constitute the government’s new employment safety net.
Maximise the return on your investment property - know what expenses you can claim
Owning an investment property can be a rewarding experience, both financially and emotionally. Apart from the purchase cost of the property there are numerous other costs involved such as bank fees and interest, body corporate fees, conveyancing costs as well as stamp duty and other tax liabilities.
However, all of these extra costs need not leave the avid investor completely out of pocket. With a little tax knowledge and some professional advice you may be able to claim a majority of the expenses associated with the purchase, ongoing maintenance and the process of generating income from your investment property, as tax deductions.
Will your bookkeeper be compliant under the new Tax Agent Services Act 2009?
Legislation for the Tax Agent Services Act 2009 has been drafted and is intended to be enacted early in 2010. The new regulations will see that bookkeepers who are currently preparing and lodging Business Activity Statements (BAS) for a fee are now required to meet standard eligibility criteria and must be registered to perform those services.
Are you entitled to contest a Will?
The passing of a loved one can be an extremely emotional experience. This can be made all the more difficult if there is any kind of dispute against the Will of the deceased.
Disputes often arise when parties that are associated with the deceased person disagree with their intentions as contained in their Will.
Intellectual Property - Protect the legacy of your business
Whilst insurance and succession planning play major roles in securing the future of your business, protecting your intellectual property can often be just as important, yet is something that is regularly overlooked.
So, what exactly is intellectual property and why does it need protecting? The term intellectual property refers to patents, trademarks and designs. And this covers everything from logos, pictures, words and phrases, to ideas, creations, products and innovations.
Google Adwords explained
So you have a company website – everyone thinks it looks great and surely now you’ll be able to attract a whole network for new customers. Unfortunately in reality, designing and developing your website is only one part of an effective online marketing strategy. The big question is how do potential customers find your website if they haven’t seen or heard your website name?
Clear, concise, consistent communication: A key tool of an effective business
Your company’s marketing communication extends across many touch points. From your support staff and professionals, through to your company’s marketing collateral, such as direct mail, invoices, signage, websites and all things in between.
All the money spent on creating great looking company collateral will mean little if your communication message is not clear, concise and consistent.
Save money, ‘go green’ at work
Commercial buildings are responsible for the most significant proportion of energy consumption and green house gas emissions for the commercial building sector, with hospitals and offices being the largest emitters.
Modern businesses rely heavily on a wide range of equipment, which is a significant factor in the amount of greenhouse gas emissions from most businesses. These emissions can be reduced by both purchasing energy efficient equipment and by making adjustments to the way you use this equipment.
Could your team win a grand final?
How would you feel if your favourite club chose their teams on the basis of a hunch?
What if the coach didn’t spend time studying the form of the players and placing them in the optimal positions for their relative strengths?
I’m sure you’ll agree that approach wouldn’t help them win many matches! Would you still want to be a fan?
